Liendo sets Games record in 100-metre butterfly, Masse becomes one of the most decorated Canadian women’s swimmers at Commonwealth Games with 10 medals
GLASGOW, Scotland – Josh Liendo delivered an unforgettable performance at the Commonwealth Games on Sunday, successfully defending his gold medal in the men's 100-metre butterfly in record time. Meanwhile, Kylie Masse also etched her name into the history books, becoming one of the most decorated Canadian women's swimmer in Commonwealth Games history after capturing the 10th medal of her career with a silver in the women's 100-metre backstroke.
Toronto’s Liendo touched the wall in a Commonwealth Games record time of 50.42 seconds.
“The strategy was more on the first day, managing the semis and the heats. I tried to take control of the race early (today), grit my teeth at the end and hit the wall,” said Liendo. “I felt like I got a good start. That’s what I wanted. From that point forward I just focused on building on that momentum and not overdoing the first 50, but I wanted to really nail it off that turn and finish strong.”
Liendo, who swims out of North York Aquatic Club / U Florida, edged Australia's Matthew Temple (50.43) in the hard-fought contest. Fellow Australian Ben Armbruster rounded out the podium in 50.58.
Liendo narrowly missed his second medal of the evening after finishing fourth in the men's 50-metre freestyle, stopping the clock at 21.55. Australia's Cameron McEvoy claimed the title and a new Commonwealth Games record after touching the wall in a time of 20.97.
“Those boys were flying. I was super pleased to be in that race with them,” said Liendo. “I’m happy with the night overall. This meets harder. It’s a bit shorter, but this is what I train for, and I try to be ready every time.”
Earlier in the session, Kylie Masse earned the 10th Commonwealth Games medal of her illustrious career with a silver-medal performance in the women's 100-metre backstroke. The three-time Olympian from the Toronto Swim Club, stopped the clock at 58.77 to finish just behind Australia's Iona Anderson (58.71). South Africa's Olivia Nel rounded out the women’s 100m backstroke podium at 1:00.09.
“I’m pleased with it. I can’t complain about getting on the podium. I could certainly feel the energy. The crowd’s been amazing.” said Masse.
The five-time Olympic medallist captured five medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and four medals at her Commonwealth Games debut in 2018 Gold Coast.
“I think having the opportunity to race on the big stage brings out the best in me. To race incredible competitors always makes me go faster, and I think being in this environment, representing Canada, and knowing this is the focal point of my season also brings out the best of me,” she added.
Canada’s Madison Kryger (Niagara, Ont. – HPC Ontario/Brock Niagara Aquatics) also jumped onto the starting blocks for the 100-metre backstroke event Sunday, placing seventh in 1:00.92.
Other Canadian performances included: Reid Maxwell (St. Albert, Alta.) placed fifth in the men's 100-metre backstroke S9 final in 1:08.85. Sophie Angus (HPC Ontario) finished fifth in the women's 100-metre breaststroke in 1:07.50. Toronto’s Benjamin Loewen placed sixth in the men's 200-metre backstroke in 1:58.48.
Canada returns to the pool on Monday looking to build on their four-medal haul over the opening three days. Canada's Paralympic swimmers set the tone for the Canucks at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre. Mary Jibb, of Muskoka, Ont., and Jack Gill, of Brockville, Ont., combined for a pair of third-place finishes on Friday’s opening night.
Canada’s swimmers captured 19 medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The Canadian swim team is comprised of 12 Olympic Program and 12 Paralympic Program athletes at the Commonwealth Games, which are a unique among major international multi-sport events, bringing Olympic and Paralympic stream athletes together as one integrated team, creating an environment that has become one of the defining characteristics of the Commonwealth movement.
The swimming competition runs July 24-29. Glasgow 2026 will welcome approximately 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories competing across 10 sports, including six Para sports.
How to Watch
CBC is the Canadian home of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with daily television coverage from July 23 through Aug. 2. Fans can also stream more than 1,200 hours of live competition on CBC Gem and CBC.ca, with a complete event schedule available across CBC's digital platforms.
ABOUT COMMONWEALTH TEAM CANADA 2026
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will bring together 74 nations and territories in a celebration of sport, culture, and community. Team Canada will once again compete with pride, unity, and determination on the global stage on this important path to Olympic and Paralympic success. Team Canada will feature 148 athletes, including one guide, 82 team officials and 19 mission staff. Canada’s performance projection in 2026 is a top three ranking, in total medals, amongst all nations and territories competing. Team Canada’s dedicated mission team will provide an optimal environment by celebrating equality, diversity, and non-discrimination. This is in support of our goals needed to enable a best ever performance by Canadian athletes at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
For more information, please contact:
Patrick Kenny
Communications Team Leader – Team Canada 2026
Email: [email protected]
613 724 7160
Chris Dornan
Communications Advisor – Swimming Canada
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403-620-8731
Simone Cseplo
Communications Manager – Swimming Canada
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416-668-3244